Nursing (Learning Disabilities)
B761If you are a caring and compassionate individual our BN (Hons) Nursing (Learning Disabilities) degree will help you become a skilled and highly sought-after graduate nurse, for people of all ages with a Learning Disability.
Course overview
Join us on 9 December for a Learning Disability Experience Day.
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Placing the needs of patients, carers, family’s students and learning disability nursing practice at its centre, this is a dynamic and interactive professional course. We will support you to realise your potential to become a compassionate, competent and autonomous nurse who is able to deliver and lead nursing care for those with a learning disability within an ever-changing health and social care environment.
The course enables you to develop and display the values required in modern healthcare: working together with patients; respect and dignity; commitment to quality of care; compassion and improving lives. It also addresses contemporary challenges such as the ageing population, increasingly prevalent long-term health conditions and public health.
Drawing on the most up-to-date research and evidence, you are supported to develop not only your nursing skills but also the graduate attributes required to succeed in the modern workplace.
Your time is split equally between learning theory on campus and applying your knowledge during placements alongside experienced professionals. You study a range of academic core modules and field modules based on theory and practice experiences. As you progress through the course, programme content becomes increasingly complex as your knowledge grows.
Accreditation
The University of Winchester is an Approved Education Institution (AEI) by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). On successful completion of this 3‐year programme you will be eligible to seek admission to part 1 of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
Winchester campus
Course length
- 3 years full-time
Apply
B761
Typical offer
104-120 points
Fees
From £9,250 pa
Course features
- Make a difference with people and learn how to optimise an individuals health care in a safe, stimulating and person centred environment
- Learn from supportive and accessible lecturers and gain real insights from people who have a learning disability and experienced professionals
- Bring your learning to life through practice placements with partner organisations and people with a learning disability under the supervision of individuals and experienced practitioners
- Develop and enhance excellent compassionate care and communication skills, competent clinical knowledge and courage in leadership skills to prepare you for a commitment to future professional life
- Be eligible to seek admission to part 1 (Learning Disability) of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register on successful completion of this three-year programme
Course details
Work placements
Work placements are a mandatory part of this course and account for approximately 50% of the programme.
Learning and teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars, you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
The course uses the NHS Leadership Academy Maximising Leadership in the Pre-Registration Healthcare Curricula Framework to build leadership skills through a spiral curriculum.
Digital Literacy
Digital and technological literacy is a requirement for entry to all nursing programmes. In healthcare it is now seen as a vital tool and is used for managing patient records, assessment, research and education. It is also the most common and the preferred way we communicate with students on our programmes.
Applicants are required to apply through the UCAS system and all information exchange until the starting the programme (such as interview arrangements, responding to offers and pre-course preparation) will be via digital platforms. The prospective student’s engagement in this activity will reflect the fundamental digital literacy requirements, which will then be developed through the programme itself. Students will be supported in the university to access learning opportunities using online and blended learning, as well as utilising digital platforms to prepare for and submit assignments. The University of Winchester provides 24 hour access to its library and IT facilities and all students will be allocated a university email address. Further support and information can be found via the student handbook.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 225 hours
Independent learning: 739 hours
Placement: 600 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 224 hours
Independent learning: 584 hours
Placement: 760 hour
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 159 hours
Independent learning: 591 hours
Placement: 880 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester and the adjacent Royal Hampshire County Hospital site.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
62% coursework
25% written exams
13% practical assessment
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
87% coursework
13% written exams
0% practical assessment
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
87% coursework
0% written exams
13% practical assessment
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions
Modules
The aim of the module is for students to explore human anatomy and physiology across the lifespan and begin to understand the physiological, structural, behavioural, and functional changes associated with selected pathology and disease progression in key systems. They will begin to apply this to their own field of nursing practice through seminar sessions.
The module will introduce the student to the basics of pharmacology and medicines management, which will be developed as they progress through the programme. Finally, the module explores key theories within the behavioural sciences to build an understanding of people’s lived experience of health change, well-being, and functioning, and how these impact on their relationship with the health care system and wider society.
This module engages students with the basis of health promotion and builds on their learning in relation to the behavioural sciences. Determinants of health and needs analysis will then progress into the study of health and social care policy, epidemiology and public health, education and influencing health behaviour and the challenges for implementing health promotion activities for different people groups. The behavioural sciences will encompass models of behaviour change, effective communication, social stress, support and caring. The module will enable students to recognise different styles of leadership and begin to identify their own within a group learning environment.
Modules
The aim of the module explores the physiological, structural, behavioural, and functional changes associated with co-morbid pathologies and disease progression in the identified systems. It will also introduce systems not taught in year 1.
The module will continue to develop knowledge of pharmacology and medicines management. Finally, the module will expand on the behavioural sciences learning across year 1 to develop the student’s ability to utilise therapeutic approaches to promote wellness and recovery.
This module builds on Foundations of Nursing Practice in year 1, focusing in on meeting the acute/crisis and longer-term health needs of people with a learning disability, accounting for their physical, psychological, social, and cultural contexts. Building on the skills developed in year 1, apprentices/students will hone their skills in searching and critically analysing research literature and policy, considering findings in relation to the reality of practice environments.
This module introduces you to Part 2 of the Practice Assessment Document (PAD), which requires apprentice/student nurses to more actively participate in care delivery with minimal guidance and perform with increased confidence and competence. This module carries hours above those recommended against its credit value in order to fulfil the requirements for NMC registration. This module will also enable you to build on the learning achieved in Practice Experience 4 and complete the Part 2 requirements set out in your Practice Assessment Document (PAD).
This module will develop apprentice/students’ knowledge and understanding of practice inquiry and the service improvement process, contextualised within a chosen module ‘pathway’ (4/5 will be offered, with the flexibility to change between years as new health care issues/innovations emerge). They will be exposed to a range of tools/approaches to change and quality improvement used within healthcare.
It will give apprentices/students the opportunity to systematically search for and critically appraise evidence from studies and information to support their final year project proposal. This proposal will be presented in the form of an academic poster or other form of media.
Modules
This module builds on Foundation Level Nursing Practice in (Year 1) and Developing Nursing Practice in Learning Disability (Year 2), focusing on the multifactorial needs of people who access services and the role of the Learning Disabilities Nurse in supporting them in living well. The module will also focus on psychopharmacology and prescriber ‘readiness’ as a NQN.
This module will allow apprentices/students to develop and apply their learning from their Practice Inquiry module (year 2) and apply it by completing their own project. The inquiry project may take different forms depending on the student’s and programme requirements. Apprentices/students will conduct and manage their own project but will be supported through group work and a mentor/supervisor.
Entry requirements
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Merit in a T Level
Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
Study in a science or social science graded at a C (A Level) / Merit (BTEC/CTEC/Access) or above is desirable, but not essential.
Other relevant non-UK qualifications, such as Irish FETAC/QQI pre-nursing courses will be considered.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.GCSE A*- C or 9-4 pass in English Language and Mathematics is required (certified alternatives, such as Functional Skills level 2 will be considered).
Relevant Experience
We will look for evidence within your application of a commitment to the nursing profession and that your personal values align with the NHS Constitution and the University. Also desirable, is prior care experience in a paid or voluntary capacity to demonstrate an informed decision to embark on a career in nursing.
Nursing Interview
Successfully shortlisted applicants to this course are normally expected to attend an interview at the University. Applicants from outside the UK can be interviewed via Teams if preferred. The current interview process is as follows:
- Group activity / discussion
- Situation judgement activity
- Short one to one interview
Applicants are expected to show some knowledge of the NHS Constitution, the 6 C’s and The Code (NMC 2018) and invites to interview will direct prospective students to read these.
Interviews will be scheduled to last 3-4 hours and applicants are asked to ensure they allow enough time for this.
Additional Requirements
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance
- Occupational health clearance
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 6.5 overall with writing at a minimum of 6.0.
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.
2025 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 2 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 3 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Total | £27,750 | £50,100 |
| Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,850 | £3,340 |
| Total with Sandwich Year | £29,600 | £53,440 |
Additional tuition fee information
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2025, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.
Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
Additional costs
Mandatory:
A full set of uniforms will be provided at the beginning of the programme. If you require additional uniforms later on, you may need to pay for these. Indicative cost: £30.
The University will pay for an occupational health assessment; however, you may need to pay for immunisations if they are not covered by your GP.
You will need a pair of suitable comfortable shoes while on clinical placement. Indicative cost: £40–£60.
You will need to purchase some of your own clinical items, for instance a stethoscope and fob watch. Indicative cost: £30.
You will need to be able to travel to your placement ‐ travel costs will be associated with this. UK residents may be able to claim reimbursement of travel and secondary accommodation costs via the Student Learning Support Fund: Indicative cost: various.
All students who accept an offer for this course are required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check. Please note, the cost of the check is £49.50 and covering the cost is the responsibility of the student.
In addition to the check, all students are strongly encouraged to sign up to use the DBS Update Service [https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service] for the duration of their course. Students who fail to sign up to the Update Service may be required to complete and pay for an additional check during their course which may affect their ability to engage successfully with placements.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.
CAREER PROSPECTS
As a registered nurse there are opportunities to work in the UK and many countries across the world in a range of care environments. This includes statutory health care providers (such as the NHS), the private voluntary and independent sector, criminal justice system and armed forces. Further education, training and experience can lead to advanced nurse practitioner roles, healthcare management, nursing research and roles within nurse education.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 25 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Masters
University of Winchester students studying Bachelor Honours degrees are pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible students must apply by the end of March in their final year and meet the entry requirements of their chosen Masters degree.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
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